Joe Jencks

What Kind of Brother

Written: 01/1999 in Bob Franke's songwriting workshop. He threw the gauntlet down and challenged me to write in a style I admired. This song is an apology to a number of women in my life, for the times that I have stilled my tongue when I should have spoken. Thanks for the inspiration Ani.

As you and I were walking down the street I heard you talk your line
You said "look at the rich chick, look at the fat chick, hey don't that hippy chick look fine."
What is it in your background that makes you think that it's okay
To talk about a woman that you've seen in such a ruthless way

I know I haven't mentioned this before, I guess I was afraid
To tell you how deeply offended I was at the comments that you made
I know that you think everything's a joke, even after all these years
But if you take the time to look behind that pretty smile
Then you would see the tears

No I don't think I'm perfect, and I'm not throwing stones your way
But I can't ignore what you say anymore so my silence stops today
I know that you're a good man so think about what you say and do
'Cause that could be your mother, sister or lover being hurt by a good man like you